Marsh appointed inaugural Commonwealth Poet Laureate

Selina Tusitala Marsh has been appointed the inaugural Commonwealth Poet Laureate, serving until 31 May 2027, reported BookBrunch.

Born in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, Marsh is of Samoan, Tuvaluan, English, Scottish, and French heritage. She has served as New Zealand Poet Laureate from 2017 to 2019 and published three poetry collections (Fast Talking PI, Dark Sparring and Tightrope) and the graphic memoir series Mophead (all Auckland University Press).

Discussing the position, Marsh said, ‘I am deeply honoured to accept this role as the inaugural Commonwealth Poet Laureate. In Samoan, we say “O le tele o sulu e maua ai figota” – “The more torches we have, the more fish we can catch”. Poetry is our torch, illuminating paths between our diverse cultures and histories.

‘The Māori proverb from Aotearoa New Zealand goes, “He toi whakairo, he mana tangata” – “Where there is artistic excellence, there is human dignity”. This profound truth guides my vision for this role. Through the elevation of our creative voices, we affirm our shared humanity across the Commonwealth. When we honour the artistry within our communities — whether it flows from Samoa, my mother’s island, or New Zealand, where I was born and grew up — we recognise the inherent dignity and worth of every person whose story deserves to be told.’

According to the Commonwealth Foundation, the role involves working on behalf of the Commonwealth to reach its 2.7 billion citizens through poetry. Marsh will write poems for events, advise on the foundation’s creative programming, and appear at the Commonwealth People’s Forum and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda in 2026.

Commonwealth Foundation director-general Anne T Gallagher said: ‘At the Commonwealth, we have come to understand that poetry – indeed creativity in all its forms – is not an embellishment of the Commonwealth story — it is a catalyst for justice, understanding, and hope. Selina Tusitala Marsh embodies that truth. Her poetry travels effortlessly from the smallest community to the global stage, illuminating the concerns and aspirations of our 2.7 billion citizens and challenging all of us to listen more closely.’

More information is available on the Commonwealth Foundation website.

Category: International news